By Musa Abdullahi Sufi
The passing of Dr. Habib Sadauki, former National President of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), marks the tumble of an era for maternal and child healthcare advocacy in Nigeria.
Dr. Sadauki was a distinguished gynaecologist and a relentless champion for reducing maternal, newborn, and child mortality. His life’s work centred on fully participating and actively advocating for healthcare policies that saved countless lives.
Dr. Sadauki was instrumental in calling for the Nigerian government to implement the Roadmap for the Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality, a key strategy aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He was a driving force behind the enactment of the Maternal Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) system, which he described as “one of the main strategies for preventing maternal and perinatal deaths through critical analysis of their causes and identifying remediable factors to prevent future occurrences.”
His work in this area helped address the core issues affecting maternal and perinatal health, improving outcomes across the country.
Beyond his professional impact, Dr. Sadauki contributed immensely to the development of his birthplace, Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State. As Chairman of the Gwarzo Consultative Forum (GCF), he facilitated the establishment of a School of Midwifery in Gwarzo and led the expansion of the Gwarzo General Hospital.
He led in organizing weekly medical outreach programs in Gwarzo and was actively involved in the campaign to convert the School of Environmental Studies in Gwarzo into a polytechnic. His passion for development extended beyond healthcare, as seen in his efforts to honour local achievements, including organizing a special dinner in recognition of Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo to promote unity and development in Gwarzo LGA.
Personally, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Sadauki on the MCHIP Project, where his support, kindness, and inspiration were always evident. Our interactions extended to various professional occasions, including tasks associated with Professor Gwarzo.
I vividly remember exchanging pleasantries with him at Tahir Guest Palace a few weeks ago, where he was conducting life-saving training. He was always approachable, warm, and eager to mentor, traits that made him not only a great leader but also a kind human being.
Dr. Sadauki’s legacy also includes co-founding the renowned Premier Clinic in Kano and serving as Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospital Management Board, where his contributions shaped the healthcare landscape in Kano and beyond. His commitment to accessible healthcare for all will never be forgotten.
As we mourn Dr. Sadauki’s loss, we must also celebrate his immense contributions to maternal health and his tireless efforts to uplift his community.
His passion for saving lives and his unwavering dedication to his people will continue to inspire generations of healthcare professionals and community leaders.
His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched, the initiatives he championed, and the standards of excellence he embodied.
Dr. Habib Sadauki’s contributions will forever be etched in the annals of history, a lasting tribute to his enduring spirit and dedication to healthcare and community development. May his soul rest in peace. Amin.
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